Brad Boyes had a powerplay goal and logged just under 15 minutes
of ice time in his Sabres debut; and Ryan Miller recorded 29 saves on 31 shots to earn his 27th win of the season.
Tyler Myers scored first, late in the first period on the powerplay to put the Sabres up 1-0. Thomas Vanek was planted in front of the net and Tyler Myers took a snapshot from the point that beat a screened Lundqvist.
New York had some opportunities but Ryan Miller and the Sabres defense held strong to end the period with the one goal advantage. 13 minutes into the 2nd period, the newest Sabre, Brad Boyes, puts home a pass from Paul Gaustad to put the Sabres up 2-0.
Buffalo had a comfortable lead and looked to be in control, but 45 seconds on the PowerPlay; Erik Christensen buried a shot that beat Miller glove side.
Later in the second period Buffalo survived a 4-on-3 as well as a 5-on-4 to hold onto the one goal lead. Miller, again, held off the Rangers threat again on the powerplays. The period ended with 16 shots by the Rangers compared to the 11 by the Sabres. Thomas Vanek did leave the second period after blocking a shot and did not return until the third.
Buffalo strikes almost 5 minutes in with a tip in goal by Jochen Hecht. Sekera was on a receiving end of a daring pass that nearly got intercepted for a Ranger breakaway. Buffalo up 3-1 and looking comfortable again, but 90 seconds later, Artem Anisimov puts one in by a downed Miller. Miller came out too far and got knocked down leaving only a Sabre D-man to guard the frame, which resulted in a goal for the Rangers.
Ryan Miller made a huge save as well as many others in the third to hold on for a crucial two points for Buffalo. The biggest save of the night was made with about one minute left, Miller made a huge glove save to rob New York, at what looked like a golden opportunity at a goal.
–Thomas Vanek did return for Buffalo and had good shifts in the third period, including a key screen on the game winner; but it is being reported that he has a bad limp as he was walking in the hallway after the game. X-rays were negative during the intermission after the 2nd period.